Boston School International (BSI) is a dynamic and inclusive school located in Costa del Este, Panama, dedicated to providing an exceptional international education through the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. The school’s mission is to foster a holistic learning environment that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and global citizenship. BSI embraces a diverse community with over 42 nationalities represented among its students, families, and faculty, promoting multilingualism and intercultural understanding. The school is committed to supporting its multilingual students, offering robust programs to ensure all learners succeed in their language development while respecting their unique cultural backgrounds. Through a collaborative approach, BSI fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for every member of its vibrant community.
Boston School International (BSI) stands out for its innovative approach to multilingual teaching and learning, integrating the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth across languages. The school’s unique focus on multilingualism is embedded in the daily practices, ensuring that language development is not only a subject but a natural part of the learning experience. BSI offers specialized support for multilingual students through a dedicated language program that adapts to the needs of its diverse student body.
The school also promotes a rich cultural exchange, celebrating over 42 nationalities, and actively engages with the local and international community through partnerships with embassies, cultural events, and language-based projects. This creates a truly immersive environment where students develop a deep appreciation for linguistic diversity. Additionally, BSI’s commitment to multilingualism extends to its professional development programs for teachers, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach in diverse linguistic contexts. This holistic approach fosters a culture of inclusivity, making BSI a leader in multilingual education.
Boston School International (BSI) is proud to be part of International Schools Partnership (iSP), an organization that places multilingualism at the heart of its educational mission. As one of iSP’s five pillars, multilingualism is deeply embedded in BSI’s philosophy, allowing students to thrive in an inclusive, globally-minded environment. iSP’s leadership team strongly believes in the power of multilingualism and supports the school’s efforts to create innovative and research-based strategies that enhance the success of multilingual learners. This collaboration with the MLRC reinforces BSI’s commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural understanding among its students, families, and staff.
BSI joined the MLRC School Network as part of a larger partnership between iSP and the MLRC, recognizing the opportunity to be part of a global community dedicated to advancing educational outcomes for multilingual learners. Being a member of this network allows BSI to share ideas, goals, and research with like-minded schools, creating a collaborative space where best practices and innovative approaches to multilingual education can flourish. Moreover, the access to a wealth of reports, research, and articles available through the MLRC Hub is an invaluable resource for the school. It empowers BSI to stay informed on the latest developments in multilingual education, enabling the team to conduct thorough research and develop actionable plans to improve the learning experience for multilingual students.
Boston School International (BSI) is excited to participate in the MLRC School Network to deepen its understanding of the complexities surrounding multilingual education. This partnership provides BSI with the tools to continuously refine its approach and ensure that its educational practices meet the evolving needs of its diverse student body. Through participation in the network, BSI hopes to learn more about the latest research, best practices, and innovative solutions for multilingual learners.
Karina del Castillo, BSI Learning and Growth Center Coordinator and an iSP Regional Leader in Multilingualism, notes as a lifelong learner, she is particularly excited about the opportunity to engage with a community of educators, researchers, and presenters who are at the forefront of educational research and practice. She looks forward to participating in events, webinars, and collaborative discussions that will allow her to gain new insights and strategies to improve multilingual education at BSI. By exploring the challenges and solutions related to multilingual instruction, assessment, and program design, she aims to continue building a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students, not only at BSI but also across the region and within other schools in the iSP network. Karina is eager to keep exploring with the MLRC, knowing that the knowledge gained will help shape BSI’s educational future and contribute to the success of multilingual learners both locally and globally. Karina, along with various iSP colleagues, recently attended a MLRC Research Symposium and engaged in action research.
To learn more about this opportunity and to register, visit: https://mlrc.wisc.edu/research-symposia/